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Boston Periodontal Care
Periodontal Care
Our board-certified Boston dentists and periodontists aim to prevent and avoid dental diseases through a proactive, preventative course of treatment. However, when periodontal disease develops, our patients can rest assured that they will receive expert periodontal care from our Boston periodontist, Dr. Sam Shamardi. Dr. Shamardi has deep experience with diagnosing and treating the underlying causes of periodontal disease to restore the health of your gums and teeth.
What is periodontal disease?
The word periodontal means “around the tooth”. Periodontal disease attacks the gums and the bone that support the teeth and is characterized by red, swollen and bleeding gums.
What causes periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is caused when there is a buildup of plaque and calculus (tartar) which begins to destroy the gums and bone. Plaque is a sticky film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva. If plaque is not removed with daily brushing and regular dental cleanings, it turns into calculus (tartar). As calculus and plaque continue to build up, the gums begin to recede from the teeth. Deeper pockets form between the gums and teeth and these pockets become filled with bacteria and pus.
Signs and symptoms of periodontal disease include:
- Bleeding gums: Gums should rarely, if ever, bleed no matter how vigorously you brush your teeth or use dental floss.
- Loose teeth: Bone loss or weakened periodontal fibers (fibers that support the tooth to the bone) can cause for teeth that feel loose.
- New spacing between teeth: New or changing spacing between teeth can be a sign of bone loss.
- Persistent bad breath: Bacteria in the mouth can produce foul-smelling breath that doesn’t go away.
- Pus around the teeth and gums: Pus in the gums and around teeth signifies the presence of an infection.
- Receding gums: Loss of the gum around teeth is a sign of damaged gum tissue.
Red and puffy gums: While healthy gums are pink, red and puffy gums signify irritation and infection. - Tenderness or discomfort: Plaque, calculus, and bacteria can all irritate the gums and teeth.
How common is periodontal disease?
Four out of five people have periodontal disease and don’t know it. Most people are not aware of it because the disease is usually painless in the early stages.
Is it serious?
Not only is periodontal disease the number one reason for tooth loss, research suggests that there may be a link between the disease and other serious medical conditions such as stroke, bacterial pneumonia, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and increased risk during pregnancy.
How can I prevent periodontal disease?
Good oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits can help reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease. Smoking increases your risk of developing gum diseases so quitting can help prevent gum issues down the road.
Prevention
Diagnotsics
Treatment
FAQ
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is an infection of the gum and bone around the teeth. When plaque and tartar build-up on the teeth, they interact with the bacteria in our mouths. This bacteria causes inflammation and irritation of the gum, which bleeds easily and develops pockets of infection. These pockets can cause the gums to separate from the teeth and form pockets that trap plaque and tartar.
What causes periodontal disease?
The bacteria in plaque and tartar cause periodontal disease. The plaque and tartar, when not removed daily, form an opaque film on the teeth. This film is called dental calculus or tartar. If not removed, the calculus forms a barrier that prevents the gums< from cleaning the teeth. The bacteria in plaque produce toxins that irritate the gums, causing infection and inflammation. The infection begins as a mild irritation, but if not treated, can lead to loss of bone and tissue around the teeth.
How are periodontal diseases treated?
Effective treatment of periodontal diseases depends on early diagnosis. Regular dental and periodontal maintenance can help to detect the signs of periodontal disease. Your dentist or dental hygienist will carefully and thoroughly examine your mouth, teeth and gums. X-rays may also be taken if your dentist suspects bone loss.
Once diagnosed, the treatment of periodontal disease usually involves a combination of deep cleanings, removal of calculus, and antibiotics. These steps remove plaque and tartar from the teeth, and prevent a recurrence of< periodontal disease.
Who gets periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is an infection of the gum and bone around the teeth. The bacteria in plaque and tartar cause periodontal disease. The bacteria in plaque produce toxins that irritate the gums, causing infection and inflammation. The infection begins as a mild irritation, but if not treated, can lead to loss of bone< and tissue around the teeth.
What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is a public health problem that affects nearly 60 million people in the United States. It is the most common type of oral infection, and it can lead to tooth loss and other health problems. Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria that spread from the gums to the surrounding tissues. The bacteria cause inflammation and destruction of teeth, bone, and surrounding soft tissues. Symptoms usually develop over time, but can occur suddenly if the infection gets out of control. Treatment includes antibiotics and oral hygiene measures such as brushing and flossing.
What are the causes of periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is a serious condition that affects the gums and bone around your teeth. It can lead to tooth loss, infection, and pain. Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria that get into the dental crevices and eat away at the gum tissue. This can cause the gum to loosen and fall out (periodontitis). If left untreated, periodontal disease can spread to other parts of your body, including the bones around your teeth (osteoporosis).
How does periodontal disease affect the mouth?
Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the gums that can cause tooth decay, gum tissue loss and pain. The bacteria that causes periodontal disease commonly lives in the saliva and spreads through contact with teeth or dental plaque. Poor oral hygiene and diets high in sugar and acid are other factors that can increase your chances of developing periodontal disease. In severe cases, periodontal disease can affect other parts of the body, such as the lungs, heart and lymph nodes.